Jordan Pond - Deepest, Clear Tarn by the Bubbles

Q: Is the Jordan Pond Path easy for someone with limited mobility?

Parts of the loop are uneven; the Jordan Pond House area offers accessible viewpoints, but the full path is not fully accessible.

Q: Is it worth the 3.3-mile loop around the pond?

Yes; the loop provides continuous water views around the pond and the Bubbles; footing can be uneven in sections.

Q: Is the water actually blue, or is that just photos?

The water reads blue-green in sun and is exceptionally clear from glacially derived feed; depth and light produce the color.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the Jordan Pond area?

Dogs are allowed on most Acadia trails but must be leashed; check specific leash rules near Jordan Pond House.

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Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; Jordan Pond Path is not fully accessible.

Best Season

Late spring through fall

Busiest Season

Summer and fall

Features

Tarn with moraine dam; deep, clear water; surrounding Bubbles and Jordan Pond House lawn

Elevation

276 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Turquoise water crowns a circular lake beside the Jordan Pond House lawn and the distant Bubbles. The cirque walls rise steeply around the basin, reflecting light off craggy faces. Jordan Pond is Acadia's deepest, clearest lake and even serves as a public water supply for Seal Harbor. Its origin lies in glacial activity: a Wisconsin-age glacier gouged the basin and left a moraine dam that traps meltwater.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

276 ft

Access

Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; Jordan Pond Path is not fully accessible.

Main Features

Tarn with moraine dam; deep, clear water; surrounding Bubbles and Jordan Pond House lawn

What You'll See

Turquoise water, Bubbles peaks, lawn views; continuous pond shoreline

What Makes It Special

Deepest, clearest lake in Acadia; public water supply for Seal Harbor

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through fall; sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting; plan for crowds and limited parking in summer.

Safety Considerations

Slippery rocks, uneven footing, crowds; follow designated paths; no edge barriers

Visitor Tips

Arrive before 8am for parking
Stay to designated paths; rocks get slick when wet
The Jordan Pond Path offers continuous views around the pond
Bring layers; it can be chilly by the water

Details

Location & Features

Type: Geological Formation

Elevation: 276 ft

Distance from Entrance: Unknown

GPS: 44.3225, -68.2517

What Makes It Unique:

Deepest, clearest lake in Acadia; public water supply for Seal Harbor

Water Feature Details

Height: Not available

Size: 187 acres

Flow/Best Viewing: Not available

Fish Species: Not available

Geology

Formation Type: Tarn

Scientific Interest:

Glacial history, high oxygen and clarity; moraine-dam dynamics; cirque formation

Getting There

Directions:

From Park Loop Road, turn onto Jordan Pond Road; parking in the North Lot or South Lot; walk to the Jordan Pond House lawn for views.

Access Type: Partial accessibility; Jordan Pond House area accessible; Jordan Pond Path is not fully accessible.

Road: Paved

Seasonal Access: Park Loop Road open year-round; Dec 1–Apr 14 closure; winter access limited.

Parking: Fills quickly; early arrival recommended.

Entry Fees: Varies

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Jordan Pond Path starts near Jordan Pond House; connects to Bubbles trails

Connecting Trails:

Jordan Pond Path connects to Bubbles trails; carriage roads nearby

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Jordan Pond House lawn viewing deck; around the Jordan Pond Path

Photo Opportunities:

Sunrise over the pond with Bubbles; reflections in calm water

Best Photo Spots:

Jordan Pond House lawn; along the Park Loop Road with water reflections

Sunrise/Sunset: Golden-hour light on Bubbles and pond

Stargazing: Not available

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms (Flush toilets)
Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs

Cell Service: Spotty; plan ahead

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Loons, gulls, mergansers, frogs, beavers, occasional moose; peregrine falcons

Best Wildlife Viewing: Early morning or late afternoon

Wildflower Peak: Not available

Fall Colors Peak: Late September to October

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late spring through fall

Best Times: Sunrise and golden hours; weekdays to dodge crowds

Road Opens: Park Loop Road closed Dec 1–Apr 14; openings vary by year

Busiest: Summer and fall

Parking Fills: By 8am in peak season

Snow Until: Snow lingers into spring at higher elevations

Winter Access: Limited; facilities reduced; paths uneven

Weather:

Fog common in shoulder seasons; warm summers; afternoon showers

Activities

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

The Bubbles; Jordan Pond Path; carriage roads

Nearby Services:

Jordan Pond House; Hulls Cove Visitor Center; park headquarters

Insider Tips

Arrive before 8am for parking;
Check the lawn before a photo; the wind can pick up;
Do the Jordan Pond Path for full pond views.

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Partial; some paths accessible; uneven footing

Family Friendly:

Flat lawns; watch kids near edges; keep away from water's edge

Nearby Facilities:

Jordan Pond House; Hulls Cove Visitor Center; park headquarters

FAQs

Do I really need to arrive before 8am to get parking?

Parking fills quickly; arrive early or plan for overflow; Jordan Pond North Lot and South Lot help during peak season.

Is the Jordan Pond Path easy for someone with limited mobility?

Is it worth the 3.3-mile loop around the pond?

Is the water actually blue, or is that just photos?

Can I bring my dog to the Jordan Pond area?

📖 National Park Service — Acadia National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 worldatlas.com 📖 alamy.com 📖 mainetrailfinder.com 📖 acadiamagic.com 📖 acadiaonmymind.com 📖 visitmaine.net 📖 umaine.edu 📖 parkcation.com 📖 thepeakseeker.com 📖 avogoodmeal.com 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 noahlangphotography.com 📖 citrusmilo.com 📖 musingsofarover.com 📖 acadiaeastcampground.com 📖 tm2maine.com 📖 becausetees.com 📖 usgs.gov 📖 jameskaiser.com 📖 arcgis.com 📖 psu.edu 📖 jordanpondhouse.com 📖 grokipedia.com 📖 visitmaine.com 📖 rome2rio.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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